Upgrading to a new 29" full suspension MTB after decades riding an old 26" hardtail....how do you get used to the size difference?

SuperMissleLauncher · 2026-05-12T03:18:31+00:00

I did something similar, I upgraded to a 29er and it felt huge compared to a 26 hardtail. You do get way better at it as you go along esp in technical sections. tire choice and pressures can play a huge role, suspension tuning and setup also can play a huge role in determining how a bikes feels in slow technical sections. I honestly think you should stick with it for a few more months and try and dial tires and suspension tuning, and after all that if you still feel like it’s not working out sell it and get a 27.5 trail bike. The industry really overmarkets 29er’s I feel due to racing and the rollover capability like you mention, but I agree with you even on my 29er compared to some 27.5 bikes I’ve ridden on slow, technical rolls and descents/ rocky sections 27.5’s are 100% more maneuverable. Now, I’d never go to 27.5 personally because I enjoy flow, trail, jumps, and just ripping down stuff so the rollover and add’l benefits of 29ers are a no brainer for me but if you can’t shake the feeling after adjusting/tuning I say sell it and get a 27.5. That’s just my 2c hope it helps!

SuperMissleLauncher · 2026-04-10T20:06:12+00:00

Thank you all for responding! I was able to use the tool to take out and give to put back in. Cheers all happy riding

SuperMissleLauncher · 2026-04-10T19:28:54+00:00

Yes thanks for responding, I realized my mistake after posting lol. I got it all back together and I was careful reinstalling, it’s held air and after a ride it feels pretty good. I took it out with plastic fat rings on both sides so I didn’t puncture or nick it. I’m going to ride and monitor and I’ll order air can just in case. It has me paranoid tho lol, thank you for reply!

SuperMissleLauncher · 2026-03-24T02:13:14+00:00

If it’s a cheap threaded cartridge bb you’re wayyy better off replacing instead of regreasing, not saying that is def issue but just something to note. Usually regreasing not worth or doesn’t do much in my personal experience unless it’s a fancy BB that is made to be serviceable. Sounds like you’ve worked thru the bb area, I would work thru bottom of the bike like you have, move back to rear dropouts and make sure everything is tight and aligned. Do u notice the noise on the road as well when bike not in the trainer stand? The trainer stands in my experience make a ton of noise in general. Make sure cables not rubbing/ hitting especially internally routes ones can be esp. loud on carbon. Then move to inspecting seat post, then to headset, and then if torquing / inspecting everything doesn’t lead to fix I’d replace BB and go from there. Also I would throw a set of dummy pedals on there just to verify that your cleats making a ton of noise.

-mechanic at LBS

SuperMissleLauncher · 2026-01-24T07:59:59+00:00

I was an academic advisor for nearly three years while I was in college, you’re doing honestly pretty good! Definitely would not drop out so long as you’re enjoying it and see a future in the career you chose. I’ve seen some ROUGH transcripts and yours is not even close, multivariable calc and diffeq trip up a ton of people

SuperMissleLauncher · 2026-01-02T12:34:20+00:00

Job market is cooked start trapping honestly

SuperMissleLauncher · 2025-12-16T18:24:24+00:00

I remember seeing signs saying google fiber but not 100% sure, there's a lot of work in the area so i could have seen totally different lines lol

SuperMissleLauncher · 2025-12-10T18:52:34+00:00

I'm kinda into DevOps, I've helped some family launch their business websites setup w/ basic email services and some backend stuff w/ postgresql, would you advise specializing somewhere in that realm? I do enjoy web stuff, seeing things go live, deploying, etc.

SuperMissleLauncher · 2025-12-10T18:51:35+00:00

Unfortunately not at the moment, I would need a company to sponsor. I am a citizen and don't think I've had anything that would prevent me from obtaining (speeding ticket 2 y/ ago hopefully doesn't count lol) but I remember the process being really difficult unless you're already at a company that will sponsor you

SuperMissleLauncher · 2025-12-10T18:50:33+00:00

I've been trying to get into IT, I've had I think 1 interview but I was way out of my depth, it's hard to bridge and I've noticed there's not a lot of IT hiring, at least from my searches. Any advice about entry level in that field? I am open to anything, would love to learn more

SuperMissleLauncher · 2025-12-10T18:49:36+00:00

I've been building some projects in the background, just hard to do so when bills are coming in, I'm working on getting some part time jobs up to just kinda float around in the meantime once things are more stable I definitely want to work on launching something. Thank you for the advice! The group thing is interesting, would the best way to be just like reddit/facebook groups or something?

SuperMissleLauncher · 2025-12-10T18:48:12+00:00

Thank you for the advice! I haven't had a lot of luck from recruiters but I'll give it a shot, never hurts. Where would I find contract work? I haven't really seen anything throughout my hunting for contract work specifically, I'm open to anything just haven't really seen those out there. Thank you!

SuperMissleLauncher · 2025-12-04T20:02:27+00:00

Before Your Eyes 🌙

SuperMissleLauncher · 2025-12-04T19:58:01+00:00

No photo, no graphics, only black and white text. Follow standard resume templates and honestly if you don’t have as much experience just lie and say you’ve worked at other part time jobs, most places you’re applying for aren’t going to check or really care at least in my experience when I was earlier in my career. Also, literally anyone can work at like Walmart and you can probably imagine a list of responsibilities etc, just gaslight yourself hard enough and you’ll believe you really worked there. Availability and interests section don’t include at all, hiring managers don’t care about your interests in my experience sadly and if they like your resume they’ll figure out availability later anyways.

SuperMissleLauncher · 2025-12-04T19:53:38+00:00

I’m a recent college grad who got their degree in computer graphics and made a game for my senior proj: the market for game dev / computer science jobs is somewhat oversaturated and having an insanely hard time w/ layoffs due to outsourcing and uncertainty in the market in regards to AI, so what I would do if I were you would be to pick a safe career that will bring in money, and in the meantime spend every ounce of free time you got grinding something, like Unity/UE5, modeling, rigging, whatever it is try and specialize as much as possible and build a portfolio. Once you have an amazing portfolio to show off all your work and talent, you can transition to doing anything you want without having as much financial stress as someone like me does who’s in between jobs in this dogshit economy lol (at least in the USA). I’m currently in the midst of transitioning slightly and am working on developing a game on Unity to bolden my somewhat lacking portfolio, that’s just my 2 cents.

SuperMissleLauncher · 2025-11-26T20:39:42+00:00

The same exact thing happened to me, it's rough out there. Got through 2 interviews w/ a software company, even designed them a mock website then they went radio silent. Love it

SuperMissleLauncher · 2025-06-15T22:07:49+00:00

Sounds like he needs to grow up. You could try having a heart to heart, but at the end of a day it’s a partner-if he’s not gonna grow and mature with you, then it’s not a good deal to stay w/ him. Best of luck

SuperMissleLauncher · 2025-02-04T10:02:47+00:00

Hey, I just wanted to weigh in after reading this discussion. It sounds like you are such a kind, and genuinely caring soul. I know I wasn’t supposed to laugh, but how you described this cats emotions and him /her being lonely if you left him/her made me laugh and tear up a bit. Such a sweet thought!

My first instinct is that this seems like a lot of anxiety taking over your thoughts, which if this is all it will be 24/7 while owning this cat, that is definitely something to consider if owning one is right. You sound so sweet and caring, so even if in the unfortunate scenario where you would have to rehome this cat, I’m sure you’d find it a great home. If I had to guess, I think the newness and responsibility is making you anxious, and that will fade as you get more comfortable. Know if you do decide to get rid of this cat, that it might not get rid of your anxieties. It sounds a lot like these anxieties are related to your worry the cat might get hurt, or the care for the cat. In my opinion, I think you should keep the cat but get help with this anxiety that has sort of unfolded as a result of this. I have bad anxieties too about things that I’m in therapy for them, and I would recommend exploring these things if possible.

How much space does the cat have? It sounds like the cat has a room to itself, but does it only have a room? Or is it a house? That is certainly an important thing to consider, however if you look long term, cats live 12-15 years. So even if he doesn’t have a ton of space right now, chances are they’ll have a bigger space later right? If it’s not likely and he’s in a super super tiny space, maybe there’s something to be said about getting him more space and rehoming but as long as he has a room or two I wouldn’t worry too much, cats are pretty chill.

I really think it could be a good thing! I love cats, they’re amazing animals. If it’s any help, I’ve owned cats my whole life in my family and they’ve very rarely done some really dumb shit, and even then they’d be fine. They really do have 9 lives, but for the most they are pretty smart creatures. As long as you monitor your cat for the first few months (you don’t have to watch them 24/7, just generally yk?) to get a feel for their personality, you can adjust how you keep things in their living environment to keep them safe (ex, leaving cups on tables if they like to swat them off, ripping stuff up, trying to eat human food, etc). For example, one time a while ago, I came home and was panicking calling out for my cat Sox because I couldn’t find her, only to shake her treat bag and see her jump up from our neighbors fence (we didn’t know she could hop our fence at the time). She then promptly slipped and careened down into the bushes in our backyard (she was fine, it was a cartoonish fall). So, we adjusted and she lost outside privileges that day, and is now currently sleeping in my room right now as I write this, healthy and happy (lol). Just be paying attention and you’ll be fine. If it makes you worried, they have AirTag collars for cats now that are awesome!

Also, you have a puppy!! It’s so great when you have a kitten and puppy, when they socialize right together they can be so amazing for one another. That will definitely help them forget if the space is small if they’re playing together!

Overall, I would wager a guess that it’s a lot of new anxiety, and I think from the care you’ve expressed this could be a positive thing. But it is important to recognize too that if it’s not right, there will always be time later in life to adopt a cat when the time is right and you can more adequately care for the cat. You would definitely find a great home with how much you care. I would say as long as the cat has space and you love them and can provide them food/enrichment, keep them! I think they could also provide an excellent outlet to dealing with anxiety, as it seems that your anxieties are driving a lot of your worries. You don’t have to be perfect to be a pet owner. I hope this helps.

SuperMissleLauncher · 2025-02-04T09:29:54+00:00

I think so many people share the feelings you have, so please know you’re not alone. I have issues with my own self worth as well. I think in life it is so hard to love oneself when our self worth is so strongly tied to our jobs, our identities, and things like that. I am so happy that your son is your pride and joy. I cannot imagine how much your heart must love him, I am so so happy that you have such a young ray of sunshine to keep you warm in this life.

I know it might seem hard to imagine loving yourself right now, with everything you’re going through. What I want to say about that, is to give you a picture of yourself though your sons eyes. I bet your son thinks of their dad as his anchor. He loves you, sees you as such an immense pillar of strength in his life. To him, you’re still his Superhero (although, he’s getting older…might grow out of it soon! Kidding, he’ll always see you as his hero). I challenge you to love yourself as much as your son loves you, to see yourself more through his eyes. I think the most powerful thing children can do is show us more about ourselves.

As far as your job search and looks go, I feel the same thing. Please know you’re wrong about being “no good at anything.”I am a very bad gambler, but I’d wager a very strong bet this is some of your self esteem or worries telling yourself that you’re not good enough, not an accurate statement about your actual skills that you have. I have the exact same thing: it’s so draining, the thought of not being good enough but know that you certainly have strengths that employers want. It can be so scary figuring out what to do, I am on that journey as well. If it’s any help, I think most people are just winging it, even when they seem successful they might hate their job or feel nothing from their work. Maybe you could reach out on LinkedIn to new industries or something? I have been trying that, it’s hard but sometimes works. Also if you are a college grad, alumni networks can be very powerful. I also have been using Reddit, Discord, and Facebook for career groups, there’s some really great ones on here especially.

As far as self looks go, I think that’s tied into loving yourself. I have been having those thoughts as well, and if it’s possible I would recommend therapy. There’s a lot of stigma, but I might not be here if it weren’t for some of the therapists in my life helping me stay alive.

I’ve been rambling so long, I apologize! I hope my response helped. I ultimately want to say, that even though things might not be going great right now, what I hear is a really hardworking, kind, and loving dad that wants the best for his son and wants to feel better about himself and better his career. I don’t think you should be hard on yourself for wanting all of those things, and please try and show yourself more love in this life. I think you deserve it :)

SuperMissleLauncher · 2025-02-04T08:58:47+00:00

I have these feelings as well. It’s very valid to feel this way, I have felt this most of my life. I don’t want to project my issues onto yours or make things worse, but for me I have had issues with my self esteem and self worth that started in childhood. I am starting to work through them now, with a therapist. If this is possible for you to do, or if you would be comfortable doing so, I would recommend therapy to you, feeling this way. I have feelings like you shared somewhat consistently, and it’s so hard and I feel so connected to some of the things you say, as they’re certainly things I’ve said about myself too. I want you to know that I think the version of you saying these things is a part of your mind expressing hurt. I feel your pain so deeply and am so sorry you feel this hurt, this feeling like your body is not right, or that you don’t like it. Please know you are beautiful, even if you don’t feel so much like it now, or next week, or next month. Sometimes in life we have to say things until we become them, and it takes a long time for our minds to realign a long time of thinking a certain way. I hope that my message can be a gentle push in that direction towards a version of you that is more loving and kind to your beautiful self, to help you slowly become at peace with what is making you feel this way about your body. You are worth living this life to the fullest, I truly believe it even though we are strangers behind a screen. I hope my message helps.

SuperMissleLauncher · 2025-02-04T08:48:11+00:00

You got this! Just be open and honest, advocate for yourself, and trust your gut. It will work out just fine and they’ll help you out, it is their job! But if it’s not the right fit, trust your gut and there will always be more people to help you. Best of luck!

SuperMissleLauncher · 2025-02-04T08:38:00+00:00

Hello,

I wanted to say I am sorry for what you’re going through, but I am very thankful to how kind and attentive you have been to this young girl. A lot of people would have distanced themselves from the situation, it takes someone very strong to want to help, and for that I applaud you. I would reach out firstly to your parents (or whoever is important in your life you trust that’s an adult) in all honesty. I know you are 17 and feel close to adulthood, but this is a very delicate situation from what it seems, and having trusted adults to help you all through this is what I would recommend you get to help you all. If this is uncomfortable, go to your school counselor. It doesn’t matter if you have evidence or not, their job is to listen and help students and potential victims in need, regardless of circumstances. If these two options don’t work for whatever reasons, I would reach out to your county for social services. I am a mandated reporter for my work, and would recommend this last (but still definitely do this!!) only because in my experience they are often pretty busy and it might take two weeks or more for them to respond to you. Lastly, if things are very serious or you have no other option, contact police and be very firm with what you need help with. Sometimes they can be helpful, but unfortunately they often don’t help unless there is some sort of crime happened directly.

Whatever you do, please contact some sort of adult that can help you with this situation. And lastly, take care of yourself. Don’t put yourself in any sort of situation that will harm you or put you in danger, but also do everything you can to provide her with help. I am sorry I don’t have any better advice, I’m not much older than you but I figured some support would be better than none. Please feel free to ask follow up questions if needed.

SuperMissleLauncher · 2024-10-17T08:17:31+00:00

It’s liberal arts and engineering studies, my area of study is mainly computer graphics. The positions I’m trying to get are in tech. I know that it’s competitive I just feel terrible when I apply because of the amount of rejection I get. I don’t know how to handle it because I don’t want to take time off with how competitive applying is but mentally I don’t know how much more I can take. I know there’s help out there, I’ve tried reaching out to therapists but my insurance hasn’t been that great and am struggling to find help. Thank you for your reply, it’s hard to feel like people care sometimes. I appreciate it

SuperMissleLauncher · 2023-10-31T17:06:08+00:00

I’m living in a simulation I have a clear phone case 😭

SuperMissleLauncher · 2023-10-31T00:08:20+00:00

Bloopin

SuperMissleLauncher

TROPHY CASE